Friel's stalker told pals he wanted to marry her

ACTRESS Anna Friel has told a court she was left feeling 'threatened and shocked' by a man who stalked her for nearly three years.

- By PAUL BRITTON

Phil Appleton, 71, was handed a restraining order of 15 years and a community order of 24 months on Thursday. He had sent Rochdale-born Ms Friel numerous messages and visited her home address several times, when he would 'blow kisses' and 'mouth "I love you" at the CCTV cameras.

He also left gifts, between January 1 2022 and December 11 2024, Reading Crown Court heard.